There was once upon a time that I weighed 115lbs!

With my position in the Marine Corps and lack of sleep and food because of it, I was a stick!

There was also a moment in my life I weighed 200lbs! At 5’3 my healthy “maximum” weight is 145lbs.

On a normal day I was 135lbs and this past December (2012) I was 195 lbs!!

Then came the talk that changed my life. A Dr. finally looked at me and told me what was really going on with my body.

He actually cared, and asked me if there was anyone in my life, family or friends, who is ACTUALLY healthy…

His definition of healthy was not SKINNY but has an active life, healthy eating habits and is happy with themselves as they are. My younger brother, Ralph. He is Vegan, and active in College and life. Yes he is also thin but as my doctor explained to me, I don’t have to be thin to be healthy.

With the diseases that I personally have, run in my family and come with aging he doesn’t expect a dramatic change in my weight…..

That was in the middle of January and since January I am, as of today (2/26/13) 173lbs!!!

You can see it in my face and waist!

(I’m sorry but I couldn’t find a better before body picture)

I used to think the excuse of constant pain, fatigue and the diseases I have were enough to validate my obesity but then I found out I didn’t need to exercise, or be awake to lose weight…

The first thing I did was something my brother mentioned back on Thanksgiving… The Dr. Oz Show. I said what harm would it do to me if I DVR an episode or two and saw what it was about. That’s when I found my super food… KIWI FRUIT More vitamin C then an orange has, and a source of natural energy that it’s benefits beat out coffee, soda and any other caffeine that will not only cause harm to your body but also will give you a crash later.  (Please see Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique post for more information)

I gave up soda, coffee and juices that were not made out of actual juice, I still drink the occasional Starbucks soy latte or Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Tea but because my new healthier eating habits are helping me so much those occasional drinks are not weighing me down like they were in the past.

Then I did a 7 day cleanse. During the cleanse I still had to eat to keep my body balanced and with energy but I only ate organic, fresh meals or freshly made at home salads. I lost 10 lbs on the cleanse itself. (Please see Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (3) for more information)

As I continued to feel better and lose weight my cravings for junk food, bad foods, fat, pork, beef and anything deep fried slowly went away. I was no longer letting the diseases control me but letting what I eat and what I do daily control my symptoms.

My final goal, which I am still working on now but is almost complete, is to… GET RID OF THE BAD FOOD in my home. Even though I know people who live with sick people will eat whatever they want, you can still buy the foods you normally buy only replace them with the organic versions.

For example; instead of eating burgers with a regular bun, use Arnold, Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain Bread. DELICIOUS and can be used for burgers, sandwiches of all kinds, and there is less bread then any other bun or bread available.  I use it for my Almond Butter and Fig spread sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, avocado “wraps” and much more.

Replace lettuce with Kale, Do not eat cow or pig meats but instead eat turkey and chicken. Replace bad fish with salmon and shrimp.

Shopping cheap doesn’t have to be shopping unhealthy. I started shopping at Whole Foods. There are expensive things there but I only buy things that will last a while and help me eat healthier. Things like organic seasonings, sauces, olive oil (make sure it’s in a black bottle and with the proper seal), avocado oil, medicines (homeopathic), shampoo, conditioner, creams, oils, lotions, make up and more.

When buying fruits and vegetables, buy weekly not monthly. When I get paid, I buy a weeks worth of fruits and vegetables and save the same amount of money for the following weeks to buy the ones I need so I don’t waste food or have rotten food in my refrigerator.

Buy what you KNOW you will use or need, NOT what you will waste. In the past I have made the mistake of buying foods because my intentions were to use them in a recipe I printed out. Time escaped me and I didn’t get a chance to make it so… wasted food in the garbage not in my stomach. Buy realistically, and if you actually replace the foods you already eat with healthy ones you aren’t being wasteful you are being healthy.

You don’t have to become vegan or a vegetarian to eat a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables a day, I incorporate mine in the foods I eat and if I have time I try something new. Buying in small quantities of something new is better then buying in bulk because if you try it in more then one way and still don’t like it you can give it to someone else who does not like it, or the homeless and money was not lost.

A disease or diseases should never be your excuse to not eat right and have an active life, but your reason to eat healthier and try harder.

From DoctorOz.com this is what my frig looks like..